The study will focus on the proposed construction of a 500MW natural gas-fired power plant next to a seawater desalination facility along the Texas gulf coast that would process from 25 to 50 million gallons of seawater per day into fresh drinking water.

“Texas needs water, and Texas needs electricity,” Patterson said. “This idea has exciting potential to bring both a sustainable source of water and power to Texans who need it most.”

“Texas must address both its water and energy challenges to maximize the opportunities coming our way,” said GBRA General Manager W.E. “Bill” West, Jr. “We believe this project has the potential to jump-start or accommodate a growing population, economic development, agriculture and environmental needs.”

The study could to take as long as two years and will be conducted in four general phases: financial, technical, integration and distribution evaluations.